LONDON — David Beckham says he wishes he had emulated Ryan Giggs and stayed at Manchester United his entire career.

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfield star, who initially left United for Real Madrid and is now on loan at AC Milan, told BBC Radio on Sunday that he never wanted to leave the English club in 2003.

United sold Beckham to Real Madrid after his relations soured with manager Alex Ferguson, who was concerned about his off-field commitments. The 36-year-old Giggs has been at Old Trafford since making his debut as a 17-year-old, the same as Beckham.

Beckham said he would love to have stayed at Manchester United for his whole career "but it just wasn't meant to be."